Snowmobiler killed in U.P. crash

January 2, 2014

MARQUETTE - A Marquette man is dead after a snowmobile crash in Marquette County's West Branch Township on New Year's Eve.

Jeffrey Dusseault, 45, of Marquette was traveling westbound on Heidtman Road at approximately 11 p.m. when he failed to stop at the signed intersection at Heidtman Road and County Road 545N, Marquette County Sheriff's Office officials said.

He then failed to negotiate the turn onto County Road 545N, crossed both lanes and struck the snowbank on the west side of the road, police said.

The snowmobile and operator went airborne and then struck a tree when landing. Dusseault was knocked off the snowmobile upon impact. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dusseault was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

He was located by family members after they went looking for him when he did not arrive at his destination when expected.

The Marquette County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Skandia-West Branch First Responders and Fire Department, Chocolay Township Police Department and Marquette General EMS.

Alcohol and speed are believed to be factors in the crash, police said. The incident remains under investigation.